1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
3. Panic Disorder
4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
5. Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

Primary care physicians and psychiatrists diagnose someone as having an anxiety disorder if symptoms occur for six months on more days than not, and significantly interfere with the person’s ability to function at home, work or school.
Doctors perform physical and psychological evaluations to rule out other causes for the symptoms of anxiety. Cardiovascular disease, thyroid problems, menopause, substance abuse and/or drug side effects, such as from steroids, may cause symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder.

Researchers are finding that genetic and environmental factors are risk factors for anxiety disorders. Specific factors include:

• • Shyness, or behavioral inhibition, in childhood
• • Being female
• • Having few economic resources
• • Being divorced or widowed
• • Exposure to stressful life events in childhood and adulthood
• • Anxiety disorders in close biological relatives
• • Parental history of mental disorders

Anxiety disorders are generally treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.

• • Psychotherapy
• • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• • Self-Help or Support Groups
• • Stress-Management Techniques
• • Antidepressants
• • Anti-Anxiety Medications
• • Beta-Blockers

Anxiety disorders are generally treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.

• • Cognitive symptoms include memory problems; inability to concentrate; poor judgment; anxious or racing thoughts and constant worrying
• • Emotional symptoms include moodiness; irritability or short temper; agitation; inability to relax; a feeling of overwhelm; a sense of loneliness and isolation
• • Physical symptoms include aches and pains; diarrhea or constipation; nausea; dizziness; chest pain; rapid heartbeat
• • Behavioral symptoms include eating more or less; sleeping too much or too little; isolating yourself from others; procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities; using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax; engaging in nervous habits.